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Fitness for new moms

Time for the gym is out of reach for many new moms. But you can still do your body good

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Originally published in Today's Parent November 2010

Wondering how to fit a workout routine into your busy new-mom schedule? The good news: Baby steps do pay off. A 2007 Harvard study found that mothers who walked 30 minutes a day or more, watched less than two hours a day of TV, and reduced their trans fat consumption were 77 percent more likely to maintain a healthy weight.

Melanie Osmack, founder of the pre- and postnatal fitness program Fit 4 Two in Vancouver (fit4two.ca), says that even brief periods of exercise help. “Moms who work out have a better body image and increased energy, and feel happier,” she says. “And most new moms realize being healthy is more important than rapid weight loss.”

So try out these convenience-packed routines. Osmack recommends doing the 10-minute core workout every day, and a longer routine at least three times a week. On days when you’ve got a little more time, choose between the 20-minute workout below or a brisk 20-minute walk with the stroller to add an important cardio component.

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